Information on Air France Flights

When flying Air France, leveling off at 35,000 feet comes with a certain French sophistication—some might call it a “je ne sais quoi.” The Paris-based airline has an extensive network between Europe and the US, and there’s no question that it’s one of the top ways to fly across the Atlantic. Let’s take a closer look at what you should know about flying Air France.

The planes

If we’re talking about long-haul flying—like that between the US and Europe—Air France has five different types of widebody planes, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777-200, Boeing 777-300, Airbus A330, and Airbus A350. For US travelers, these all fly across the Atlantic (or to French Polynesia). However, you may connect on narrowbody aircraft within Europe, Northern Africa, or the Middle East.

The routes

Since France is such a popular destination for US travelers, there are many routes that Air France flies to within the lower 48. Paris is also a major hub, so it’s common for many fliers to connect through Charles de Gaulle to another city. In total, the carrier flies to 85 long-haul destinations across 74 countries worldwide. That includes around 30 cities in the US, including secondary locales like Raleigh-Durhan, Denver, and Phoenix.

Cabin classes

On some aircraft, Air France has an ultra-exclusive four-seat first class cabin, with business class, premium economy, and economy behind. These planes are typically flown to higher-end markets, like New York and Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the majority of routes are flown with three classes of service (without first class).

First class

This is one of the most elegant and luxurious ways to fly in all of commericial aviation. Called La Première, first class on Air France is exclusively on the Boeing 777-300. Each berth in the chic yet minimalist four-seat cabin is separated by floor-to-ceiling curtains. There’s on-demand dining, personalized service, and perhaps one of the most premium ground experiences at any airport in the world in Paris (more on that below).

Business class

On Air France, passengers can expect lie-flat seats, charming service, elevated dining and French wines, and elevated airport lounges. There are several kinds of business-class configurations, depending on the type of aircraft, but the latest-generation cabin is the one you’ll want on your radar. All flights between the US and Paris (and French Polynesia) should feature modern, all-aisle access business class, in a 1-2-1 layout with full lie-flat functionality.

The airline is in the process of reconfiguring older aircraft and introducing a suite-style seat on all newly delivered planes. This business class offers direct aisle access from every seat, power adjustable lumbar support, a sliding door for increased privacy (essentially converting the seat into a suite), and all of the most up-to-date tech: a 17.3-inch 4K screen, Bluetooth connection, and a wireless charger.

This Air France business class seat is one of my favorite products in the world and you can find it on some Boeing 777-300ER or Airbus A350-900 planes. Even better, if you score a bulkhead, there’s even more space including a full-size ottoman with foot and leg space as wide as the suite pod itself.

Premium economy

Wedged in between business and economy, you’ll find Air France’s premium economy cabin. You’ll probably prefer the Boeing 787-9, as it is the only aircraft that features a 2-3-2 layout with more width at each seat. All other premium economy cabins, like those on the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, feature a 2-4-2 layout.

Economy

No matter which type of Air France plane you fly on, economy is pretty standard across the board. Expect about 17 inches of seat width with about 31- or 32-inches of seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the the seat in front). This is pretty common across the industry; it’s not great but also not abysmal either.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you should know about the Air France ground and pre-flight experience.

Baggage policy and fees

If you’re flying internationally on an Air France long-haul flight (or connecting from a long-haul flight), your checked baggage can weigh up to 50 pounds in economy or premium economy. Some economy tickets don’t include a free checked bag so be sure to keep this in mind when going through the booking process. Meanwhile, all business and La Premiere tickets include at least two free checked bags, up to 70 pounds each.

Check-in

Air France, like all of its SkyTeam alliance partners, has standard premium passenger services called Sky Priority. Elite members of member carriers frequent flier programs, plus Air France business, first, and premium economy can use Sky Priority lanes at check-in, security at many airports, and boarding gates. Meanwhile, economy passengers can use self-service kiosks and bag drop facilities.

Lounges

The airline operates a handful of premium lounges worldwide, offering a peaceful retreat for passengers before flights. The flagship lounges are located at Charles de Gaulle Airport, but Air France also has a presence in other major cities worldwide, like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles (the latter being my personal favorite due to the sumptuous dining and tarmac views).

The best lounge, by far, is Air France’s La Premiere lounge at CDG, a 10,700 square-foot hideaway with a curated menu and wine selection crafted by Alain Ducasse. Travelers can partake in a full dining experience or use the Sisley spa—all complimentary. For first-class guests, when it’s time for boarding, you’ll be whisked away by private vehicle to the aircraft door.

Business class lounges by Air France are no slouch either, as you can expect a design with signature shades of blue, whites, and touches of red for a sleek and chic aesthetic. At the heart of the lounge is a brasserie-style dining area offering a broad variety of tasty French classics. Finally, in Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, you can even book a complimentary mini spa service courtesy of Clarins.

Onboard experience

Here’s more of what you can expect when onboard an Air France flight.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

Onboard a majority of Air France flights, you’ll find Wi-Fi capabilities to stay connected. This includes three Wi-Fi pass options for its passengers: Message Pass, Surf Pass and Stream Pass. I find Air France’s Wi-Fi to be usable but on the slower side compared to other airlines. Meanwhile, all long-haul flights have in-seat monitors with an extensive array of entertainment options.

Amenities

In business and first class on long-haul flights, you’ll get an amenity kit—the design of which changes every few months for variety—that includes comfy socks, an eye mask, a toothbrush, and Clarins skin care products. First-class exclusively gets pajamas and turn-down service with hotel-style bedding to elevate the experience even more.

Food and drink

All passengers on intercontinental flights are offered a multi-course meal designed by a rotating array of chefs. Of course, in economy, that’s all served on one tray and is pretty basic—but at least that includes French butter and a hot roll. In business and above, there are more elevated dishes like foie gras, lobster, or shrimp. A daily selection of cheeses will also be included.

Meanwhile, for beverages, there’s a variety of soft drinks, coffee, tea, and cordials. French wines will undoubtedly be a popular option with reds and whites available for all passengers. In premium cabins, expect aperitifs like liquor, beer, and tawny port and digestifs including cognac, calvados, armagnac, pear brandy or green chartreuse.

Airline partners

When it comes to earning and redeeming miles—as well as elite benefits—it’s important to know that Air France is part of the SkyTeam alliance. These partners include KLM, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, China Airlines and ITA Airways, among others. In addition, Air France partners with other airlines outside of SkyTeam, including Japan Airlines, Qantas, Malaysia Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Etihad.

Credit cards, loyalty, and using miles

Air France shares a loyalty program with Dutch airline KLM and this is called “Flying Blue.” Miles can be earned by flying with Air France, KLM, and partner airlines, as well as through hotel stays, car rentals, and purchases with partner companies. Miles can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, extra luggage, or products from the Flying Blue store.

One of the best ways to redeem miles is for flights, and I’ve done this several times over the years. The Flying Blue program generally provides better award rates than many of its SkyTeam partners. Even better, you can transfer points from credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Finally, another way to earn more Air France miles in the US is through the Air France KLM World Elite Mastercard. This card can not only help you earn more miles but also level up your status with the Flying Blue program.